The Secrets of the Elements

Chapter 15: More About The Book

"If at all," said Indra as he paced across the small room. He and Dai Ma were at a place far away from

the city. They often came here to discuss the book and plan their next move.

"Indra," said Dai Ma as she peeped out of the window of the cottage. "Daksh is your son. His mother

died protecting the book, will he ever go against us? How can he join our enemies? Why will he?"

"I've kept him away from all this, the academy, the book, everything, because I wanted to protect him.

But he took it otherwise," said Indra and stood near the window. He could see the stars twinkling in the

night sky. It reminded him of his wife, Tara.

"Tara always wanted Daksh to take this ahead," said Dai Ma leaning on the stick she used for support.

"It was her last wish. She wanted Daksh to be crowned as-"

"She didn't know what she was asking for," said Indra and closed his eyes. He could picture her holding

little Daksh in her hands. "I've always tried my best to give everything to Daksh," he said. "You are a

great father, Indra," said Dai Ma.

~~~~~~~

Advika tossed the noodles in the pan as Ray shaped the Manchurian. "I must say, you're as good as

Ray," said Swarna and kept the ice cream to set in the freezer. Advika smiled and looked at Ray; he

winked. "Mom," said Tej as he entered the kitchen, His eyes fell on Advika who was busy making the

noddles. The thought of Advika working in his kitchen with his mom made him happy. "Yes, son," said

Swarna. "Do you want anything?"

Ray looked at Tej and teasingly smiled at him. "Ah... I was wondering if..."

"We've set the dining table, aunty," said Zarna entering the kitchen. "Great, Tej," she said and motioned

him to bring the food to the table. He nodded. "I'll take the Manchurian," said Ray heading towards the

hall.

Tej helped Advika transfer the noodles into a container. "Are you alright?" she asked. "Yes, absolutely,

why?" he asked perplexed. "You're acting, somewhat... weird," said Advika.

Shit, did she notice at all, he thought.

"Nothing like that, I'm just... tensed about this book thing," he lied. "Don't start stressing over things,

that is my job," said Advika and smiled. "You don't need to stress when I'm there," said Tej. "I mean novelbin

when we're there."

~~~~~~

Daksh held Rutuja's hand and squeezed it slightly. "Leave my hand," she commanded, trying to free

her hand from his tight grasp. "Don't you think you hang out too much with that guy," he muttered

coming closer to her. "None of your business," she snapped.

"It is my business," he said. "Dad said you are my responsibility."

"I am my responsibility Mister Daksh Rajwansh," she said and freed her hand from his grip. "He asked

you to help me when I need it, and I don't need your help."

Daksh, come here this instant, said a voice in his head. He at once recognized the voice and walked

out of Rutuja's bedroom.

~~~~~

Daksh appeared in front of Azazel, who sat on his embellished throne placed in the centre of a ruined

castle. He looked around and took a step towards Azazel.

It was dark; the air musty, it had the smell of rotten onions.

Daksh's toe caught a rock, he stumbled, catching himself against a slimy wall. He could see Azazel

resting on the throne; his eyes closed.

"You summoned, master," said Daksh as he stood before Azazel. "Daksh," said Azazel in a husky

voice, his eyes still closed. "I think it's time you're told the truth."

"Truth? Master," said Daksh, perplexed.

"Your mother Tara," he began. "Was killed by the book."

Daksh fought back his tears and clenched his fists. He took a deep breath in and closed his eyes for a

brief moment.

"Your mother Tara died, and the book, let her," said Azazel as he got up from his throne and took a few

steps towards Daksh. Daksh opened his eyes and looked at Azazel. That was the first time he had

looked Azazel in the eye. Daksh always stood with his head bowed before his master.

Azazel put his hand on Daksh's shoulder. "The book had the power to save her, to give her a new life,

but it didn't. I can bring her back if you want."

Daksh put his head down; a tear slid from his eye. "I will do anything for my mother," he said.

"Then," said Azazel squeezing Daksh's shoulders. "Help the five learn the powers from the book, be

their guide." Daksh looked at Azazel, perplexed. "And bring them to me once they earn all the powers.

We together will bring Tara back to life," whispered Azazel in Daksh's ears.

"I will do as you say," said Daksh.

~~~~~

Rutuja paced across her bedroom, glancing at the window now and then. "What happened? Whom are

you waiting for?" asked Rishi as he sat on the bed. "Daksh," said Rutuja peeping out of the window.

The smile on Rishi's face disappeared in no time at the thought of Daksh. "I thought you didn't care

about him," he said. "No," said Rutuja and swivelled. "I just don't want him to join the evil side."

"You said he was bad," said Rishi and got up from the bed. Rutuja opened her mouth to say something

but Rishi stopped her. "I just came here to see if you had closed the window properly, last time the

werewolves got in," he said and headed towards the window.

What's wrong with this guy, thought Rutuja.

Rishi shut the windows and turned to look at Rutuja. "Putting a spell on it," he said and turned to face

the window. He traced the edges of the window with his fingers; his eyes closed.

Rutuja looked at him. Is he jealous? she thought. But why would he be?